The Assam government on Monday banned molasses across the state, in a move after more than 150 people died after consuming spurious alcohol in Jorhat and Golaghat districts. Molasses – a byproduct of sugar-refining – is used to make country liquor ,known as ‘sulai’ in Assam.
Assam CM Sarbananda Sonowal orders a ban on molasses in the State.
— All India Radio News (@airnewsalerts) March 4, 2019
Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal directed Chief Secretary Alok Kumar to ban molasses, PTI reported.
“The ban has been necessitated as molasses are widely used to prepare sulai, an intoxicating drink,” a statement from the government said, as per The Indian Express.
“He (CM) also asked Chief Secretary to direct all Deputy Commissioners to ensure ban on molasses in all the districts.” They were also asked to generate awareness about the evils of consuming sulai”.
The press statement also stated, “The meeting also decided to extend government help for looking, after all, children who lost their parent or parents in hooch tragedy under Juvenile Justice Act.”
Previously reported that at least 37 children were orphaned in the tragedy.
The Hooch tragedy occurred in Golaghat and Jorhat districts of Assam. Majorly at the ‘Salmora Tea Estate’ in Golaghat. The labourers consumed spurious liquor on 21st February, Thursday night. All the victims sourced the liquor from Sanjay Oran, who himself died after consuming the deadly liquor.
It is alleged that the liquor was laced with ‘methyl alcohol’ which targets the central nervous system.
After the incident a massive state wise crackdown by the Exise Department had been launched in which more than 15000 litres of spurious liquor were seized or destroyed. Over 25 people have been arrested and 100 cases registered.
Drive against illegal liquor continues at Bongaigaon district in Assam following the hooch tragedy.#AIRPics: Manas pic.twitter.com/SUmMtkqmZQ
— All India Radio News (@airnewsalerts) February 24, 2019